DigiGirlz conference at Microsoft Offices

On Tuesday 11 June eight girls from Year 8 were given the opportunity to attend the DigiGirlz conference at Microsoft Offices located in Reading.

 The students were challenged to solve an issue facing the accessibility of technology to people with disabilities using a MicroBit mini-computer and coding.  We had two groups who presented to a panel of Microsoft judges.  Our first group chose to design a device using a MicroBit that played a song and showed the word ‘medicine’ in LED to remind people with short-term memory problems to take their medicines at a specific time.  Our second group, who also received an honourable mention for best overall presentation, chose to design a digital bus stop that would provide a braille timetable for the visually impaired as well as speak the times of the next bus aloud.  They programmed their MicroBit to display ‘Bus’ and play a tone that could be activated when the bus arrived. The girls learned a lot and were able to interact with Microsoft interns and staff throughout the day.  They also enjoyed touring the different rooms in the buildings on the Microsoft campus.  Overall, we had a great day immersing ourselves in technology and look forward to attending next year!